I always figured that the '70s music informing the ABC series, like the Johnnie Taylor splendor above, was something that Shonda Rhimes listened to while writing the show. And so it was. And, for those of you who do not have these Stax tracks and other nuggets in your music collection already, the new album gives you some one-stop shopping. The official word:

The twists and turns of the American political system have long been turned into storied tales of deception, turmoil and mystery chronicling the dark underbelly of American culture. This year’s hottest political thriller, ABC’s “Scandal,” is a vivid example. But it wasn’t just power, politics and drama that inspired writer, creator and executive producer Shonda Rhimes (“Grey’s Anatomy,” “Private Practice”) to bring this story to life; the classic soul music of the 1970s was a dynamic and influential force as well.

Stax Records, a division of Concord Music Group, has partnered with ABC Studios to release Songs from Scandal: Music for Gladiators on September 3rd, 2013. This 12-track collection features the iconic 1970s music heard throughout Seasons 1 and 2 of the smash TV drama and coincides with the highly anticipated DVD release of Season 2, also on September 3rd.

Rhimes contributed to the album’s extensive liner notes, which detail the passion and attitude of the music that fueled the creative process: “During those four days [of writing the ‘Scandal’ pilot], the soundtrack of my writing was the funky, delicious music of the 1970s.”
The perfect companion piece to Seasons 1 and 2, this soundtrack allows true “Scandal” Gladiators to experience the full spirit of the show. The set features iconic tracks from Booker T and the MG’s (“Green Onions”), Sly & The Family Stone (“Everyday People”), The Staple Singers (“Respect Yourself” – RAC Remix), Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell (“You’re All I Need to Get By”), and KC and The Sunshine Band (“Get Down Tonight”), to name a few.

“It’s the music that came after they killed Jack and Bobby and Martin and Malcolm,” says Rhimes in the liner notes. “It’s the music after Nixon disappointed a nation, it’s the music of the sexual revolution and the feminist movement.” And it’s this musical style that Rhimes and music supervisor Alex Patsavas chose to reflect the fierce determination of the series’ characters and storyline.

With fans eagerly awaiting the premiere of the third season on October 3rd, 2013, there is no better time to celebrate this unique era of American music. Rhimes concludes: “For those of you who heard this music the first time around, welcome home. For those of you who are hearing it for the first time, pleased to meet you. Put on your headphones and give this music a listen. And become a Gladiator in a suit.”